The Forces Employment Charity is calling on the public to show their support for Remembrance Day this year, by taking part in its national poppy pebble painting initiative.
The Poppy Pebbles project is a simple but powerful initiative that encourages schools, veterans, and the public alike, to paint a poppy on a pebble and place it on a war memorial, or headstone of a veteran, as a way of commemorating Remembrance Day.
Anyone choosing to take part in the initiative is encouraged to carry out research into identifying and even visiting local war graves, via the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website, finding out information about the service person buried there.
Colin Back, National Manager of Project Nova at the Forces Employment Charity who devised the initiative says:“The Poppy Pebbles project has grown exponentially over the last few years.
“We originally started the project as a way of encouraging vulnerable veterans to take part in a mindful activity during lockdown. Since then, the initiative has really captured people’s imaginations.
“Poppy Pebble Painting is now being taken up all over the country by people from all walks of life – we even have a few famous faces getting involved. It is a wonderful way to commemorate Remembrance and we hope to see more people than ever signing up to take part in this free event.”
For more information, including a free Poppy Pebbles resource pack, visit: www.forcesemployment.org.uk and search for Poppy Pebbles 2023.
To donate to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, visit:
The role played by professional footballers, and the many others who served at the Battle of the Somme, has been marked at a ceremony in France.
Veterans Minister Graeme Dey took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the McCrae’s Battalion Cairn in Contalmaison, as part of the memorial events to mark the first day of the Battle of the Somme (1st July 1916).
Representatives from clubs including Heart of Midlothian, Hibernian, Falkirk, Dunfermline, and Raith Rovers regularly attend the annual event.
Mr Dey said: “At the start of WW1 a campaign was launched against professional footballers who were labelled ‘shirkers’ and ‘cowards’ who were happy to stay at home while better men risked their lives at the front.
“The players who joined McCrae’s Battalion proved the critics wrong and demonstrated incredible bravery. Indeed, many of them made the ultimate sacrifice. They went from being called shirkers and cowards to become known as ‘Edinburgh’s finest – Scotland’s Sporting Battalion’.
“Today we honour the bravery of those young men and all those who fought and died on the Somme.”
During his visit Mr Dey also met with the Mayor of Arras, Frédérique Leturque, as part of the Scottish Government’s European engagement work, which aims to strengthen ties with priority EU countries and their regions.
The 1,350 strong McCrae’s Battalion, led by Sir George McCrae, was formed in Edinburgh and included volunteers from Heart of Midlothian, Raith Rovers, Falkirk, Dunfermline, Hibernian, St Bernard’s and East Fife.
In all around 75 clubs (of all levels) provided volunteers along with many other athletes and football supporters most notably of Hearts and Hibernian.
The Battle of the Somme eventually lasted for 141 days. Some 20,000 soldiers were killed in the initial assault on 1 July 2016 with a further 37,000 wounded.
Communities across Scotland fell silent at 11am today (Friday 11th November) to mark Armistice Day and remember those who laid down their lives in defence of our nation.
Veterans, members of the Armed Services and the public came together around the country to pay tribute, including children of serving military personnel paying their respects in Dunblane.
The First World War came to an end at 11am on the 11th of November, 1918 with the signing of the Armistice. Each year since 1919 the nation has paid tribute to the fallen from that and other conflicts at the same time.
“We were very disappointed that the planned service at Princes Street Gardens could not go ahead due to the weather warnings, but public safety has to be paramount. While the service was much smaller than planned, we were glad that veterans from Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory and elsewhere were able to join us in paying tribute, while people across Scotland observed the two minutes silence.”
SCOTLAND REMEMBERS ON ARMISTICE DAY Photo caption:- Tabatha Holly Clark (s1) with Nathan Collie S1 (L) and Rebecca Wise (s1) right.
Retired Army Major Andrew Johnstone, from Brisbane, Australia, joined the service at the factory. He said: “When you sign up, you sign a blank cheque that you are prepared to give your life for your country.
“I know many who are not here today because of that, and it’s important that we remember them.”
Aidan Stephen, from Edinburgh, who served as a Major with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, was among those paying tribute in Edinburgh City Centre. He said: “We just can’t forget. There isn’t a single person in my family who has not been affected by conflict in some way. I think of them today, as well as the friends I’ve lost.”
Pupils at Queen Victoria School in Dunblane, which has been looking after the children of UK service personnel since 1908, visited Bud, Poppyscotland’s interactive mobile museum. They learned more about the origins of the poppy as our national symbol of remembrance and the vital work Poppyscotland still undertakes supporting the Armed Forces community today.
SCOTLAND REMEMBERS ON ARMISTICE DAY Photo caption:- Tabatha Holly Clark (s1) with Nathan Collie S1 (L) and Rebecca Wise (s1) right.
S1 student Ruby May Gibson, whose father and brother are both currently serving with the Royal Regiment of Scotland, said: “My brother, my dad and my grandparents all served so this is an important day for me. On Armistice Day I think about the people who fought and died for us.
“I’ve really enjoyed learning more about the poppy on Bud. I think it is so important that we always remember.”
Armistice Day is followed tomorrow by “Poppy Saturday”, a day when streets and shopping centres will be filled with thousands of Poppyscotland volunteers as the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal approaches its culmination.
One day later, Scotland will again fall silent to mark Remembrance Sunday. The First Minister will join military and civic leaders, serving personnel and veterans at the Stone of Remembrance in Edinburgh at 11am, with local Remembrance Sunday events taking place in communities across the country.
SCOTLAND REMEMBERS ON ARMISTICE DAY Photo caption:- Sienna Patounas (S1) lays a poppy in the Garden of Remembrance at Queen Victoria School.
Falklands veterans and their families gathered in Edinburgh yesterday (Saturday 18 June) to pay tribute on the 40th anniversary of the end of the conflict. They were joined by the Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge and Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Keith Brown MSP for the parade and remembrance service.
Hundreds lined the streets as the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines and the Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums marched along George Street before the service in St Andrew Square. Many Falklands veterans were among those taking part, including former Scots Guards drummer, Graham Hopewell, from Ayrshire.
At 11am, the bands were joined by more than 120 pipers across Scotland and as far away as Peru, New Zealand and the Falklands, to play “The Crags of Tumbledown Mountain” in unison. This tune was composed by Scottish Pipe Major James Riddell in the midst of the decisive battle on 13th June 1982, which led to the Argentine surrender and the end of the war the following day.
The commemorations were organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, in partnership with the Armed Forces and the Scottish Government.
The Rev Dr Karen Campbell, National Chaplain of the Royal British Legion Scotland, and The Rev Angus Smith, former Padre to the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards who served in the Falklands, jointly led the service.
They remembered the 255 British servicemen who fell in the Falklands, as well as 649 Argentinian military personnel, three civilians, and thousands more who were wounded.
The conflict began on April 2nd, 1982, when Argentina invaded the British territory in the South Atlantic, and ended on June 14th, as British troops approached the capital, Stanley. It was the first military action since the Second World War which involved all elements of the British Armed Forces.
Following the service, wreaths were laid by the Lord Provost, Mr Brown MSP, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, a Falklands veteran and President of Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, the Heads of all three Armed Services in Scotland, and the War Widows Association.
Participants then enjoyed musical entertainment from the two military bands, Legion Scotland Sweetheart Amy Hawthorn, Stuart McLean, Juniper 3 and Ellyn Oliver. The public were also able to enjoy exhibits from Legion Scotland, Poppyscotland, and many other organisations and associations.
Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “It was heartening to see so many people come together today to pay tribute to all those who served in the Falklands. For veterans and their families, today was a very poignant day, as we remembered those who laid down their lives 40 years ago. Even now, many of those who served are still living with the physical and mental scars of the conflict.
“This was also an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary resilience of our Armed Forces community and the vital role they continue to play today. We’re delighted that people of all ages have engaged with our learning programme over recent months, taking the chance to find out more about the Falklands and other conflicts, and their impact on our recent history.
“It was particularly moving to hear the iconic pipe tune “The Crags of Tumbledown Mountain” being played at 11am, both here at St Andrews Square and by our global pipe band in all corners of the world.
“We would like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council and everyone else who has made today’s events possible, as well as the public for their support.”
Keith Brown MSP said: “I am delighted that we have been able to partner with Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland to deliver a commemoration which will provide the people of Scotland with an opportunity to recognise the sacrifices made 40 years ago in the Falklands War.”
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Sharing his memories of the long journey to the Falklands onboard the QE2, Rev Smith said: “We suddenly remembered what war entailed. The question that was at the back of our mind was “would we or would we not return”.
“But I had to go beyond that. I had about 500 lads who were in the same position. These were the ones who were fighting, so it was up to me to help these people as much as possible.”
Reflecting on the 40th anniversary commemorations today, Rev Smith continued: “It has been one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve had in years. The thought that has gone into this, it’s beautiful really.
“The first person I met today was the wife of a great friend of mine, who was amongst the first men killed in the war. We just looked at one another today, and we couldn’t speak.”
Today our thoughts are with the people of Manchester. We remember in particular the families who lost loved ones and those who were injured and had their lives shattered because of the Manchester Arena attack on the 22 May 2017. Five years on you are still very much in our thoughts.
We remain committed to playing our part to strengthen public safety. We continue to work with the private security industry, the police, and the Home Office in the pursuit of this goal. We will continue to do so in support of greater public safety for everyone.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragic events at Manchester Arena, at this time.
Heather Baily, Chair, Security Industry Authority
Michelle Russell, Chief Executive, Security Industry Authority
Veterans and their families will take part in an international remembrance service at dawn on Monday (25th April) to mark the 107th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign in the First World War.
Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland will join members of the Australian and New Zealand community for the service and wreath-laying ceremony at Comely Bank Cemetery at 5.30am. Led by Rev Dr Karen Campbell, it will feature Scots Guards piper Lance Sergeant Mark Macrae and bugler Iona McFarlane.
Later that morning, Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Frank Ross and Government representatives from Scotland, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Turkey will take part in Legion Scotland’s annual ANZAC and Gallipoli Day Service at the Scottish National War Memorial inside Edinburgh Castle at 11am.
ANZAC Day marks the service and sacrifices made by the Australian and New Zealand Armed Forces, as well as those from Scotland and the rest of the world who served alongside them. It is the national day of remembrance in the two countries.
Both services are open to the public, with a limited number of tickets for the memorial available from 9:30-10:15am in front of the Castle on the Esplanade.
At dawn on April 25th, 1915, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), together with British, French, and Russian forces landed on the Dardanelles Peninsula (now part of Turkey) at the start of the Gallipoli campaign.
This ended in a stalemate, with troops withdrawing in January 1916. A total of more than 100,000 soldiers were killed.
Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “This is an opportunity to come together to remember the service and sacrifices of ANZAC servicemen and women through the years, as well as our own soldiers who fell during the Gallipoli campaign.
“It is a chance to reflect on the extraordinary courage of our Armed Forces community, both past and present, as well as the enduring friendship between our countries.”
Forty years since the Falkland War began, pipers from across the world are being encouraged to come together to remember those who fell and were injured during the conflict.
Falklands veteran Graham Hopewell and Scots Guards Lance Sergeant Mark Macrae today (APRIL 2) joined military charities Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland to launch the call for musicians to take part.
They are asking them to perform “The Crags of Mount Tumbledown” on their doorsteps, streets, or hillside at 11am on June 18th as part of a day of national commemorations. This iconic march was composed by a Scottish soldier while under intense Argentine fire on the remote Falklands hillside.
On April 2, 1982, Argentinian forces invaded the British territory, leading to the 10-week conflict. A parade and service of remembrance will take place in Edinburgh later on June 18th to mark the anniversary of the ceasefire, remembering tens of thousands who fought in the South Atlantic and the 255 British servicemen who lost their lives.
The Crags of Mount Tumbledown was famously composed on the back of a ration packet by Pipe Major James Riddell, of the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards, during the final battle of the conflict on June 13th, 1982.
After nine hours of fierce fighting and hand-to-hand combat, British forces captured the stronghold which guarded the approach to the Falklands capital, Stanley. This led to the Argentinian surrender but cost the lives of eight Scots Guardsmen and one Royal Engineer attached to the Battalion.
After the battle, Pipe Major Riddell, from Stonehaven, climbed to the top of the mountain and played the first rendition of his new composition in commemoration of the event. The following day, British forces retook Stanley and the Argentines surrendered.
Sadly, Pipe Major Riddell died from a brain tumour in 1997.
Graham Hopewell, from Ayrshire, was a 19-year-old drummer with the Scots Guards when he was sent to the Falklands, serving under Piper Major Riddell. He remembers fighting in bleak, freezing conditions, and losing close friends during the battles.
One memory he will never forget is coming under air attack in Bluff Cove on June 8th. Shortly after he landed, Argentinian air forces hit the British ships, Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram, resulting in the loss of more than 50 lives.
He said: “We heard a massive explosion. When the planes came over the top, we just started shooting at them. There was no time to think about it and the adrenaline was just going.
“Later on, when we heard the ships had been hit, we realised it was real. I knew many of the Welsh Guards who were on the ships, and a close friend was killed in the attack. That was a huge shock, and it made us more determined to go on, so they hadn’t lost their lives for nothing.”
Mr Hopewell, 59, who now works as an undertaker, said: “The Falklands has always stayed with me. I was one of the lucky ones, but I think everyone was affected by it in some way. When I came back, I had no one to talk to about it and I found it hard getting my head round it all.
“I feel honoured to play this year as part of the anniversary commemorations. It’s important that we remember all those who lost their lives.”
Lance Sergeant Macrae, from Sutherland, has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as traveling the world with the Scots Guards Pipes and Drums. He said: “I’m very proud of what Graham and the others have done for us, and I’d encourage other pipers around the world to join us in paying tribute.”
Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “The Falklands conflict lasted just 74 days, but it had a profound impact on the lives of thousands of Scottish servicemen, women, and their families.
“Many paid the ultimate price and never returned home, while others have lived for decades with the physical and mental scars of the conflict.
“We hope that pipers in every part of Scotland, as well as the rest of the world, will join us in paying tribute to the sacrifices that they made. As we mark this anniversary, we’re pleased to be working with the Scottish Government and Armed Forces to hold national commemorations between now and June, and would encourage veterans, their families and the wider public to take part.”
Mark Collins, Interim Chief Executive of Poppyscotland, said: “The extraordinary story of how Pipe Major James Riddell composed the Crags of Mount Tumbledown in the heat of the battle is symbolic of the courage and resilience of our Armed Forces. While this battle marked the end of the conflict, those who gave their lives must never be forgotten.
“Joining together in playing this tune will be a fitting tribute to everyone who played their part in the Falklands conflict, as well as the continued sacrifices that our servicemen and women make today. We hope it will encourage people to learn more about how these events have shaped our recent history, as well as highlighting the role of our Armed Forces community and the support that is available to them.”
Veterans of the Falklands War and families of those who lost their lives in the conflict will take centre stage during commemorations to mark its 40th anniversary this spring.
Leading military charities Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland today launched a programme of commemorative events in partnership with the Armed Forces and the Scottish Government, to remember the conflict which took place between April and June 1982.
The programme will culminate in a national parade and service of remembrance in Edinburgh on Saturday, June 18th. Falklands veterans and bereaved relatives are also invited to attend the UK-wide service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on June 14th, the anniversary of the ceasefire.
Other activities will include a package of resources for schools to allow young people to learn more about conflict as part of Poppyscotland’s wider learning programme.
Poppyscotland’s interactive mobile museum, Bud, will also visit schools in areas which have a close connection to the conflict, including Arbroath, which is home to 45 Commando, the Royal Marine unit which played a key role in the liberation. An event that will see pipers across the globe join in tribute to those who fell will also form part of the commemorations.
Theresa Davidson, from Glenrothes, whose husband Lance Sergeant Clark Mitchell was killed on the day of the Argentine surrender, joined the charities to lay a wreath at the Falklands Memorial Garden in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh.
There, she spoke for the first time of her years of heartache following his loss and the importance of remembering the sacrifices of all those who served.
The conflict began on April 2nd, 1982, when Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory in the south-west Atlantic Ocean. In total, 255 British servicemen, 649 Argentine military personnel, and three civilians died, and many more were wounded.
Mrs Davidson, 65, a foster carer, was just 25 when she was widowed in the conflict. Lance Sergeant Mitchell was one of eight Scots Guards killed in the Battle of Mount Tumbledown in the early hours of June 14th.
She said: “I remember it as if it were yesterday. I was in our quarters at Lasswade, Midlothian, when an officer and his wife came to the door to tell me the news. My world just fell apart. I lost everything: my husband, my best friend, the family we wanted together.”
She had met Clark, then a junior soldier from Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, at the age of 17 when she was training with the Women’s Royal Army Corps. After an “amazing” six years of married life in Germany and England, they had returned to Scotland and were hoping to start a family when the conflict began.
Mrs Davidson said: “Nobody knew anything about the Falklands – we thought they were up in the north of Scotland. It was only when we saw the map, we realised they were 8000 miles away.
“When he was away, I had this dreadful fear, and just lived for the news. On the morning of the 14th I felt so happy and thought ‘Thank God the war is over’. But then it was like something had hit me, and I knew something had happened to Clark.
“Losing Clark changed me, and it took me years to rebuild my life. He was an extremely good soldier, but he was also very gentle, kind and caring, with a great sense of humour and zest for life. I will never forget him or the sacrifices he and the other men made. To me it’s about keeping their memories alive.”
Poppyscotland and Legion Scotland are sharing the stories of veterans and their families in the run-up to June. They are encouraging people to reflect on the Falklands and other recent conflicts, and recognise the contribution made by our Armed Forces community.
Recalling his memories of serving on the front line in the Falklands, Keith Brown MSP said: “I am delighted to be able to partner with Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland to deliver a national event in Edinburgh to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War on 18 June 2022.
“As we approach the 40th Anniversary I look forward to participating at a variety of events and commemorations to pay tribute to the heroism of those brave men and women who made up the Task Force which set sail to free the Islands. This is also a time for reflection and a chance to remember all those who lost their lives and to those who made an enormous contribution during the conflict, including civilians and dockyard workers.”
Unveiling the programme of Falklands 40 events, Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland said: “The Falklands conflict was the first military action since the Second World War which involved all elements of the Armed Forces.
“Although it lasted just 74 days, it claimed the lives of hundreds of servicemen and had a lasting impact on thousands more, as well as their families. Many veterans still struggle with physical or mental scars, or have faced hardships in the years afterwards.
“Between April and June, communities across Scotland will be commemorating the 40th anniversary of this conflict and reflecting on the service and sacrifice of so many. We are pleased to be able to hold a national Scottish event in Edinburgh to engage with our Armed Forces, Legion Scotland members and the wider public, and would encourage everyone to play an active part in the commemorations.
“We would also love to hear from anyone who is planning a commemorative event in their community so we can help to promote this alongside the other Falklands 40 events.”
Mark Collins, Interim Chief Executive of Poppyscotland, said: “We want to remember the extraordinary efforts of thousands of service personnel, the civilians who played a vital role, as well as their families. This is also a chance for people of all ages to learn more about the Falklands conflict and how it has shaped our recent history.
“Poppyscotland’s learning programme will reach schools around the country, engaging young people and showing the impact that the conflict had on people and communities. By sharing veterans’ stories, we can bring their experiences to life, as well as highlighting the role our Armed Forces play today and how we can support them and their families.”
